NEW YORK: Stormy Daniels, adult film actress, returned to the witness stand on Thursday at Donald Trump’s historic hush money trial with attorneys for the former president seeking to paint her as a greedy liar who profited from her allegations.
In a dramatic courtroom showdown in New York City, Daniels faced intense cross-examination from Susan Necheles, one of Trump’s attorneys, who sought to portray her as a dishonest opportunist motivated by greed. Daniels, who alleges a sexual encounter with Trump in 2006, vehemently denied accusations that she had threatened Trump or profited from her story.
“I wanted the truth to come out… to get my story protected with a paper trail so that my family did not get hurt,” Daniels, 45, asserted.
Trump, 77, observed the proceedings from the defendant’s table, clad in a powder blue tie, as Daniels delivered her testimony. The trial, unfolding just months before the November election, holds significant implications for Trump’s political future as he seeks to challenge Democratic President Joe Biden.
During Tuesday’s testimony, Daniels detailed the alleged one-night stand with Trump at a celebrity golf tournament. However, Trump’s legal team seized on the opportunity to portray Daniels as a profiteer, citing her participation in strip club events and the publication of a book for which she reportedly received $800,000.
Daniels vehemently refuted these claims, stating that she had no control over club advertisements and disavowing the use of a tagline associating her with Trump. She maintained her stance that her intention was to seek truth and accountability, not financial gain.
The trial has seen contentious exchanges between Daniels and Trump’s legal team, with accusations of manipulation and attempts to discredit her testimony. Trump, speaking to reporters outside the courtroom, labeled the case a “Frankenstein” creation and criticized the prosecution’s approach.
The proceedings have also been marked by legal maneuvers, including an appeal filed by Trump against a gag order imposed by Judge Juan Merchan, prohibiting public attacks on witnesses. Trump’s complaints about the gag order on his Truth Social network underscore the contentious nature of the trial.
